LEAP Africa, a pioneering organization in youth leadership development, has officially unveiled plans for the 12th edition of its flagship Social Innovators Programme and Awards (SIPA). The landmark event is scheduled for November 25, 2025 at Four Points by Sheraton on Victoria Island, Lagos.
Redefining Africa's Global Position
The 2025 gathering carries the powerful theme "Africa as THE Sector: Maximising Possibilities through Technology, Finance, and Policy." This visionary framework aims to transform how the world perceives Africa—moving beyond the traditional "emerging market" label to position the continent as a comprehensive sector of innovation, growth, and unlimited potential.
More than 200 innovators, policymakers, investors, and private sector leaders from across Africa will converge to advance youth-led innovation and foster cross-sector collaboration. The event seeks to establish Africa as a global center for sustainable development solutions that can address both continental and worldwide challenges.
Executive Vision and Strategic Focus
Kehinde Ayeni, Executive Director of LEAP Africa, emphasized the significance of this year's theme. "Africa is not a peripheral player; it is the sector of opportunity, creativity, and transformation," she stated. "At LEAP Africa, we are intentional about positioning young African innovators as architects of a redefined global order. More than a convening, SIPA is a movement that challenges us to believe that Africa's ingenuity can and must set the agenda for the future."
The convening will specifically focus on driving tangible outcomes by exploring the intersections of technology, finance, and policy. Key objectives include:
- Accelerating systems change across multiple sectors
- Unlocking new pathways for inclusive prosperity
- Amplifying African ingenuity on the global stage
- Strengthening investment in innovation ecosystems
- Enhancing policy influence for youth-led transformation
Immersive Experience and Distinguished Participants
SIPA 2025 promises a comprehensive experience featuring several key components designed to maximize impact and collaboration. The program includes a Pre-Conference Mixer that will connect funders, innovators, and ecosystem leaders, followed by a Partner Breakfast Dialogue aimed at sparking meaningful collaborations.
An Interactive Solution Lab will concentrate on unlocking opportunities through technology, finance, and policy innovation. The event will showcase distinguished speakers from across the continent, including:
- Elhadji Malick Soumare, Deputy Chief of Party, Entrepreneuriat & Investissement, Senegal
- Naomi Emeka Nwokolo, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network Nigeria
- Ruby Igwe, Country Director, ALX Africa
- Abimbola Ogundare, Chief Operating Officer, Deloitte Africa Consulting
- Karina Karunwi/Awa Daffe, Regional Head, ANDE West Africa and Francophone
Proven Impact and Future Recognition
Since its inception in 2013, SIPA has evolved from generating hype to delivering measurable impact in the social innovation space. The program has supported over 290 social innovators across 15 African countries, creating transformative change that has reached more than 4 million lives.
These innovators have collectively generated over $6 million in funding and revenue, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in creating sustainable change. Over the past decade, SIPA convenings have served as vital platforms for collaboration, connecting young changemakers with mentors, investors, and enablers who continue to shape Africa's innovation landscape.
The event will culminate in the SIPA Awards Ceremony, celebrating excellence across multiple categories including:
- The Outstanding Innovator Award
- The Social Impact Award
- The Seyi Bickersteth Award
- The Innocent Chukwuma Prize
LEAP Africa is actively inviting corporate organizations, development agencies, and government institutions to partner on SIPA 2025 through sponsorship opportunities, facilitation of Solution Labs, and championing youth-led transformation across the continent.
With over one million direct beneficiaries across 26 Nigerian states and eight African countries, LEAP Africa continues to build an inclusive and thriving Africa driven by dynamic, innovative, and ethical youth leaders. The organization's interventions span Education, Entrepreneurship, Employability, Active Citizenship, and Health & Wellbeing, consistently equipping and empowering youth to lead ethically and drive positive change in their communities.
